AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

Gisborne Times, Volume VI, Issue 229, 5 October 1901, Page 1

AUSTRALIAN CABLES.

By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright Sydney, Oct. 4. The Italian warship Puglia has come to Sydney, prior to visiting New Zealand. The Tyser steamer Star of Australia had an extremely rough passage. A series of severe gales lasted three days, and she was unable to take observations, during which she drifted 300 miles to the southward. No damage was done. The Rev. W. H. Fffchett, editor of the Australasian edition of the Review of Reviews, in a letter to the Daily Telegraph, explains that the article in tho Review referred to in the New Zealand Parliament was one of a series designed to give a picture of each of the great Australasian settlements at the beginning of the new century./ New Zealand came third on the list. As very considerable, expense was attached to the mri.-y illustrations which accompanied the article, the New Zealand Government was asked to take a certain number of copies for distribution in England and elsewhere, on tho ground that the article would bo of public service to New Zealand. Mr Seddon expressed no wish whatever as to the character of the article, and never saw a line till it was published. Mr Fitehett secured the Rev. Joseph Berry, of Adelaide, whom ho considered the best possible writer on the subject, and gave him entirely a free hand. Ho adds : “ Nothing could be more straightforward, busi-ness-like, or honorable than the manner in which Mr Seddon carried through the transaction with the Review.” He claims that the article was a sober and absolutely reliable account of the resources and prospects of one of the richest and most flourishing provinces of the Empire. Melbourne, Oct. 4. Tho Federal Customs Bill has received the Royal assent, and comes into operation to-day. Fremantle, Oct. 4. General Hector McDonald is a passenger by the Austral, from London. He stated he was going to New Zealand to see friends there, and was taking a sea voyage for the benefit of his health. He will make a short stay in Australia. Brisbane, Oct. 4. Tho Premier, in a strong protest telegraphed to Mr Barton against the Kanaka Bill, says it will entirely destroy tho sugar industry. At least several years should have boon allowed to elapse before interference with recruiting. In tho Assembly, Mr O’Connell, at tho request of tho Premier, moved as an amendment to the motion in favor of giving further assistance to sugar growing that the Pacific Islanders Act be continued for a further period of ten years. Mr Philp spoke strongly against tho Bill being introduced by Mr Barton, who, he said, had not made sufficient inquiries into tho matter. Those who sought to disturb the industry were committing a criminal act. There never was a majority in Queensland who wished the industry treated as Mr Barton was treating it. The Bill has caused consternation amongst the sugar growers.